United Nations Daily Highlights, 07-03-06

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From: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.org

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING

BY MICHELE MONTAS

SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

BAN KI-MOON IS OUTRAGED BY ATTACKS ON SHIA PILGRIMS IN IRAQ

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is outraged by the series of bomb attacks in Iraq today on Shia pilgrims who were making their way to the holy city of Karbala. He condemns these heinous acts, which appear to be aimed at provoking sectarian strife.

The Secretary-General appeals to all communities in Iraq to show maximum restraint in the face of these criminal actions. He also calls on all political and religious leaders in the country to exert their influence to protect civilian lives and to promote mutual respect and dialogue between all Iraqi communities.

UNITED NATIONS STANDS READY TO ASSIST SUMATRA QUAKE VICTIMS

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction of property suffered by the people of Indonesia after the recent earthquake in Sumatra. He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the earthquake.

The United Nations has been in contact with the Government of Indonesia and stands ready to lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs created by the disaster, including by using existing resources and providing grants from emergency funds, and to mobilize international support for that response.

SECURITY COUNCIL HEARS BRIEFINGS ON DARFUR

The Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Darfur, Jan Eliasson, briefed the Security Council in consultations on the joint mission he carried with African Union Special Envoy for Darfur, Salim Ahmed Salim, as well as on the next steps the two Special Envoys will take to assist in re-energizing the Darfur political process.

Hedi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, also gave an update.

Meanwhile, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has launched a $56.1 million appeal for operations in south Sudan to help tens of thousands of southern Sudanese refugees and internally displaced people return home and reintegrate in their communities.

And the World Health Organization has launched an emergency response operation to contain a meningitis outbreak. A mass immunization campaign, targeting more than 600,000 people in high risk areas, is being carried out.

BAN KI-MOON SUPPORTS GENDER EQUALITY & WOMENS EMPOWERMENT

Speaking at the opening of a General Assembly debate on gender equality, the Secretary-General pledged to work for a collaborative and coordinated approach to gender perspective one that involves and engages the entire UN system in supporting Member States work for gender equality and empowerment of women.

Adding that there is still a long way to go in implementing global goals and commitments for gender equality, the Secretary-General stressed the need for changing values and attitudes while transforming relations between women and men, at all levels of society.

He also called for partnerships between governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector, to ensure that women and girls enjoy their full rights and take up their rightful place in society.

Asked for the ratio of women among senior officials appointed by Ban Ki-moon, the Spokesperson said that the Secretary-General was still in the process of appointing senior officials. She noted, however, that among the few whose appointments are now final are the Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro, and the new chief of UN management, Alicia Bárcena. "They are an important part of the equation," Montas said. "And we will see as to the ratio when the process is completed."

IRAN: HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONCERNED BY ARRESTS OF WOMEN ACTIVISTS

High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today expressed strong concern over the arrest of at least 31 women activists during a peaceful gathering in front of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran last weekend.

Arbour emphasized that these women were exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. She recalled that Iran is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and must adhere to its legal obligations.

SOMALIA: FOOD AGENCY CALLS FOR END TO HIJACKING IMPASSE

As the hijacking of a World Food Programme (WFP)-chartered vessel off the coast of Somalia enters its tenth day, WFP is calling for a swift end to the impasse, citing concerns for the welfare of the crew. WFP is also concerned about increasing difficulties in contracting additional ships to deliver urgent food aid to hungry people.

Six hijackers remain in control of the vessel, now anchored in an area close to the border of Puntland and the central region of Somalia. None of the crew has been released, despite appeals and interventions for their immediate safe return.

WFP is in close contact with Somalias Transitional Federal Government, the Puntland authorities and the vessels agents.

BAN KI-MOON DISCUSSES SUDAN WITH SENIOR U.S. OFFICIAL

Asked for a readout of the Secretary-General's meeting yesterday with Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the Spokesperson said that the Secretary-General briefed Under Secretary of State Burns on the latest developments related to Sudan/Darfur and drew attention to the potentially increasing peacekeeping engagement in Africa, for which he requested continued U.S. support.

They also exchanged views related to negotiations concerning Iran and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Burns updated the Secretary-General on the U.S. position vis-ŕ-vis the Human Rights Council.

KOSOVO CONSULTATIONS CONTINUING

Asked about the UN's efforts on Kosovo's final status, the Spokesperson said that there were continuing consultations being led by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Future Status Process for Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari.

The Spokesperson added that the matter will go before the Security Council once the consultations are completed.

The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) reports that Richard Monk of the United Kingdom yesterday

assumed his duties as UNMIK Police Commissioner in Pristina, following his appointment to the post by the Secretary-General. He replaces Stephen Curtis, who left the Mission last month.

BAN KI-MOON MARKS GHANAS INDEPENDENCE

In a message on the 50th anniversary of Ghanas independence, delivered today in Accra by his Special Advisor on Africa, Legwaila Joseph Legwaila, the Secretary-General praised Ghanas steady participation in UN peacekeeping operations around the world.

He also noted Ghanas work for regional conflict resolution through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), its current chairmanship of the African Union and membership in the UN Security Council.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

BAN KI-MOON REQUESTS COOPERATION FROM D.P.R.K. ON AUDITS: Responding to a letter dated February 13 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the Secretary-General has asked for the continued cooperation of the Government to allow the audit of United Nations funds and programmes to be completed in a timely manner.

TIMORESE CAPITAL IS REPORTED STABLE: The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) reports that some 49 instances of violence broke out in capital Dili overnight. Most involved stone-throwing. The situation is now stable but tense. While the search of Major Alfredo Reinado continues, a group of some 50 to 100 locals in the southwestern city of Suai demonstrated peacefully in support of the Major.

BAN KI-MOON TO DISCUSS MIDDLE EAST & TERRORISM WITH ISLAMIC GROUP: Asked for an agenda of the Secretary-General's meeting this afternoon with representatives of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the Spokesperson said that the meeting, requested by the OIC, would cover the Middle East, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and some general issues.

SENIOR ENVOY TO MEET WITH I.O.C. SECRETARY-GENERAL: Asked who the Secretary-General's Special Advisor, Ibrahim Gambari, is meeting with in the course of his mission to Saudi Arabia, Montas said later that Gambari is continuing contacts with senior government officials and will travel to Jeddah later in the week to meet with the Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General

United Nations, S-378

New York, NY 10017

Tel. 212-963-7162

Fax. 212-963-7055

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